Step's Aurora Guide vs Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Step's Aurora Guide
This app provides aurora forecasts, alerts, and expert photography advice. It helps users plan and capture stunning aurora images with real-time data, geomagnetic forecasts, and personalized guidance.
- 27-day geomagnetic activity forecast
- Moon phase and darkness alignment
- Real-time aurora probability
- Hour-by-hour weather updates
- Expert photography advice
- Custom location comparison
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Created by an aurora photographer, the app is your perfect companion for aurora adventures. Make informed decisions, get timely alerts, and improve your chances of seeing and capturing the northern lights and aurora australis. Discover the features that make this app indispensable: Timely Alerts Don't miss the aurora. Receive notifications about elevated Kp-index levels in the coming days and when your chances of witnessing the aurora within the next hour are becoming high. Get the notice you need to be ready. Real-time Aurora Forecast Witness the aurora probability in real-time with the SWPC Ovation aurora forecast. Instantly see current aurora probabilities, monitor unfolding trends, and pinpoint the anticipated peak times — all tailored for your location. These insights pair perfectly with aurora alerts. Additionally, solar wind parameters offer a deeper understanding of current aurora activity. Precise Decision-making Make informed choices for tonight and beyond. Access hour-by-hour updates on geomagnetic activity, cloud coverage, temperature, and wind forecast. Compare conditions for your current location and up to 5 custom spots. Advanced Planning Stay one step ahead with our 27-day geomagnetic activity forecast. Seamlessly align your photography sessions with the optimal moon phase and ensure darkness prevails in your selected locations. Track the aurora season from the start. Expert Text Guide Receive tailored advice based on aurora and weather forecasts, moon positioning, and your location. Discover whether the aurora will grace the horizon or dance overhead. Optimise your shots with tips on capturing reflections and shooting under moonlight. Benefit from forecast-based recommendations and camera settings guidance. Additional Features and Beyond Experience a range of other useful features, with more updates on the horizon. Global Applicability The app is designed for global use in all regions where auroras can be visible, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, and more. Aurora looks the same — the landscape makes the difference. Subscription Options The app is available with a weekly, monthly, or yearly auto-renewable subscription, each with a 3-day free trial and full access to all app features, including High Kp-index and Aurora alerts. Download the app and start your 3-day free trial today. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map
This app helps you track and predict aurora borealis activity. Plan your adventures to witness the Northern Lights with real-time data and forecasts.
- Aurora forecasting
- Real-time aurora alerts
- Northern Lights map
- Night sky planning
- Aurora event tracking
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Witness nature's most spectacular light show with Aurora Alert, the ultimate companion for aurora chasers and night sky enthusiasts. Plan Your Next Aurora Adventure: Whether you're planning a trip to Iceland or hoping to catch a rare aurora event in lower latitudes, Aurora Forecast is your essential tool for making the most of this breathtaking phenomenon. Premium Plans: - Aurora Forecast One Week => 2.99 $ - Aurora Forecast One Year => 19.99 $ the app offering is auto-renewable subscriptions For more details Privacy Policy : https://vihanweavesllp.blogspot.com/2024/07/privacy-policy.html Terms of use : https://vihanweavesllp.blogspot.com/2024/07/terms-of-use.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Step's Aurora Guide at 4.6 against Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map's 1.0. Step's Aurora Guide also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Step's Aurora Guide sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Step's Aurora Guide holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Step's Aurora Guide has 116 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Step's Aurora Guide ships an update every 3 weeks, Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Step's Aurora Guide | Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (116 ratings) — better | 1.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 116 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #176 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 81 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Steps Aurora Guide | VIHAN WEAVES |
Customer experience
Step's Aurora Guide
Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map
In-app purchases
Step's Aurora Guide
- Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$6.991 Month
- Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$29.991 Year
Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map
- Aurora Forecast One Week$1.997 Days
- Aurora Forecast One Year$19.991 Year
Questions
Is Step's Aurora Guide free?
Is Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map free?
Which has better reviews, Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map?
Do Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map have ads?
Which is updated more often, Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast & Borealis Map?
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